South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension

The Portuguese Revolution of 1974–75 had a profound impact on southern Africa, forcing the government of John Vorster to re-evaluate South Africa's diplomatic and strategic options. But because events in Lisbon — as well as in Mozambique and Angola — evolved slowly, an overconfident Pretoria found itself unable to read the situation clearly. In this it was hampered by interagency power struggles, as well as its relationship with Rhodesia. Generally cautious towards Mozambique, South Africa was rather more reckless in its involvement in Angola. This resulted in an embarrassing diplomatic defeat which revealed the emptiness of its proposed policy of détente, as well as of hopes of a new understanding with the United States.